]]>You know Nissan’s Leaf; you also likely know of Nissan’s NV200 commercial vehicle. Nissan is now launching an electric version of the NV200, called e-NV200, which combines the electric drivetrain architecture of the Leaf to its commercial vehicle.

Nissan stated as a commercial vehicle the e-NV200 promises to take on an even greater role in reducing emissions and improving air quality as it operates day and night with van and taxi fleets in city centers.

The company insists the e-NV200 is far more than a simple conversion of an existing conventionally powered vehicle as the company said it has significantly re-engineered and re-styled NV200 for its new role. And although it does use a number of key elements from LEAF and NV200, some 30 percent of its components are unique to e-NV200. There are styling changes, a re-engineered chassis, interior revision, a new battery pack and a higher capacity regenerative braking system.

When European sales start later this month, the e-NV200 will be available as a compact but capacious and practical van or as a five-seat passenger vehicle in Combi or more luxurious Evalia versions, depending on the market, said Nissan.

Nissan said it recognizes running costs are the number one priority for most fleet operators and stated the e-NV200 has been developed to help the business equation. Planned maintenance costs are 40 percent lower and without engine oil, belts, gearbox or clutch there are fewer parts to be checked or replaced. Fuel costs are also significantly lower, with diesel costing three or four times as much as electricity for 100 km (62 miles) of driving.

There will also be dedicated taxi versions of e-NV200 on the market, a vehicle built to comply with specific, and invariably different, regulations in capital cities. The first European city to adopt e-NV200 as part of its taxi fleet will be the vehicle’s home city of Barcelona, Spain.

In fact, Nissan also stated the e-NV200 is built exclusively in Barcelona for global sale. It will be produced in Spain alongside the NV200, using lithium-ion battery cells produced at Nissan’s battery plant in Sunderland, UK. The battery packs themselves are made in Barcelona to a unique design for the e-NV200.

“The engineering changes we have made have produced much more than a good electric van… it is a fantastic van by any standards. Drivers will want to get behind the wheel of e-NV200 not just because it produces no emissions, but also because it is so good to drive – the ride comfort, the acceleration, the refinement and the ease of use are all far ahead of what they are used to,” said Guillaume Carter, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing for Nissan Europe.

Nissan explained the e-NV200 has a homologated NEDC range of 106 miles – considerably more than the average 100 km (62 miles) daily driving distance of 70 percent of the fleets using compact vans in their businesses. In Europe 35 percent of this category of van never travel more than 120 km (75 miles) per day in the life of the van. Also, the cargo area is identical to the diesel-powered NV200 and the payload capacity is even greater than its diesel cousin with up to 770 kg possible.

The battery can be recharged overnight in 8 hours using a European domestic 16-amp single-phase 3.3 kilowatt charger, with this reduced to four hours if the optional 6.6 kilowatt / 32-amp charger is used, added Nissan. Alternatively, a dedicated CHAdeMO DC 50 kilowatt quick charger can recharge the battery to 80 percent capacity in 30 minutes or less if the battery still holds some charge, meaning that e-NV200 can be charged while it is being loaded with goods for another delivery, for example.

“There is change in the air,” said Jean-Pierre Diernaz, director of Electric Vehicles for Nissan Europe. “Europe’s cities are introducing ever stringent restrictions on emissions. London already has a congestion charge zone based on emissions while the city’s Mayor is preparing for the introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone by 2020. Paris has this year prevented vehicles driving into its centre in a bid to cut pollution. Diesels, meanwhile, are coming under increased scrutiny for their NOx and particulate emissions. As the growth in sales of Nissan LEAF proves, this is the time of the zero-emission vehicle. Nissan e-NV200 takes us into a completely different market segment and will help cement our position as the global leader in electric vehicle technology. We believe e-NV200 will genuinely change the make-up of light van and taxi fleets as well as changing the environment in the heart of our cities. All of the 200,000 vans sold per year which never cover more than 100 km (62 miles) a day in their lifetime, could be replaced by e-NV200 without ever needing to stop to refuel during their working day. This simple fact, combined with the low running costs, capabilities and comfort make this a truly game-changing vehicle.”

]]>First impressions were very positive after the initial test drive of Metrocab’s Range Extended Electric London Taxi.

This all-new British-built and engineered Range Extended Electric (REE) has been tested during this first official drive by London’s taxi drivers and Mayor Boris Johnson.

Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) General Secretary Steve McNamara, and London Cab Drivers Club (LCDC) Chairman Grant Davis, visited Metrocab’s Surrey testing facility with some of their respective members to evaluate the Metrocab from a passenger and driver perspective.

Metrocab stated following static observations, the Metrocab was experienced first-hand on the test track and the association members were left impressed by the Metrocab’s power delivery, ride quality and handling prowess. Summarized by Grant Davis “like nothing I have ever experienced before”, Steve McNamara added that its introduction “could be a game changer.”

“It’s superb, an absolutely beautiful machine and a masterpiece of British engineering,” said London Mayor Boris Johnson. “I have just driven it and it’s totally silent. It’s the Rolls Royce of taxis and it will do 100 imperial mpg.”

The Metrocab’s REE technology delivers a range of 560 kilometers (347.97 miles), typically saving a London taxi driver £20-£40 per day based on the average day and night duty cycle in the capital.

“It’s a smooth, quiet, electric vehicle,” said Steve McNamara. “I’m a great fan of them and I think they are the future. Not just because of the emissions and environment but the silence. The worst thing about sitting in London traffic is sitting alongside noisy buses and diesel cars.”

Production versions are to be trialled in London during the coming summer.

]]>Audi is getting involved in a tracking tool hoping to reduce emissions while commuting.

MIT, in partnership with Audi and GE, launched HubCab, which it describes as a transportation tracking tool aimed at reducing commuting congestion, decreasing vehicle emissions and lowering the cost of mobility infrastructure.

HubCab explained it tracks more than 150 million taxi rides in New York City over the course of a year. With this information, researchers can identify commuter travel patterns and work to develop a more efficient car share system. MIT researchers say HubCab technology could not only save people money and time, but allow users to better plan their taxi rides around the city, potentially reducing the number of trips by 40 percent.

HubCab is another step by Audi and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Senseable City Lab to work toward improving transportation efficiency systems that reshape that way people move and live in their daily lives, said Audi.

“The so called ‘sharing economy’ is blossoming all over the Internet,” said Carlo Ratti, Director of the Senseable City Lab. “Today it is mostly about fixed assets, such as homes on AirBNB. But tomorrow, it will increasingly involve our mobility infrastructure, blurring the difference between public and private transportation.”

Part of the vision for a more sustainable urban future involves the utilization of Big Data, such as that provided by HubCab, said the MIT. This remains a goal for both the MIT Senseable City Lab and ERL. Project researchers say the HubCab tool embodies one of the most cutting-edge applications of this concept.

“The HubCab project makes visible the immense benefits in New York City’s taxi system that would arise from just sharing a cab,” said Paolo Santi and Michael Szell at the MIT Senseable City Lab. “By engaging citizens in potential sharing economies, HubCab clears the way towards more sustainable urban futures.”

Audi said HubCab users can explore 200 thousand street segments in New York over several time segments of the day, which amounts to more than one trillion flow combinations. HubCab allows users to discover exactly when and where taxis pick up and drop individuals in New York City, which is useful in helping identify specific areas and time of condensed pickup and drop-off activities.

Information generated by the HubCab project also offers potential application to other existing Audi urban mobility initiatives, including Audi Urban Intelligent Assist (AUIA), explained Audi. This project, conducted by Audi, VW Group’s ERL and university research partners, utilizes real time urban data to develop connected car technologies that reduce congestion, improve safety and make urban driving less stressful. This data includes local vehicle and pedestrian information, which could ultimately be also sourced from the HubCab project.

“Ford Transit Connect Taxi has proven itself in taxi fleets across the U.S.,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, global product development. “Now, we are building on that success, offering the vehicle for sale in even more markets, including global cities like Hong Kong.”

In the United States, Ford said it owns nearly 60 percent of the taxi market. On sale since 2010, the Ford Transit Connect Taxi is said to serve passengers in some of the most demanding taxi markets, including Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Boston.

The 2014 Ford Transit Connect Taxi comes with a new powertrain – a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission – providing drivers, per Ford, with quick response as well as durability, low-rpm cruising and an expected best-in-class highway fuel economy rating.

According to Ford, the Transit Connect will be the only taxi offered in America with a compressed natural gas and LPG engine prep package.

Conversion to CNG and LPG is supported by Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers.

The new Transit Connect Taxi is also longer, offering seating for five and increased cargo capacity. Ford said it has an expected best-in-class 60.5 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row. The vehicle can accommodate a compressed gas tank, while still leaving ample room for luggage.

According to Ford, the Transit Connect Taxi floor has been lowered for improved access to the cabin, and it can be modified for wheelchair accessibility through Ford’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier program.

Ford C-MAX Hybrid also chosen by taxi operators

In addition to the Transit Connect Taxi’s success, Ford said its C-MAX Hybrid is being adopted by taxi operators right from dealer lots.

Taxi operators are said to like the vehicle’s utility, maneuverable size and U.S. EPA combined fuel economy of 43 mpg. C-MAX Hybrid taxis can be found on the road in San Francisco and New York.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/lpg-fueled-transit-connect-in-hong-kong/feed/0New Transit Connect Includes Taxi Versionhttp://www.hybridcars.com/new-transit-connect-includes-taxi-version/
http://www.hybridcars.com/new-transit-connect-includes-taxi-version/#commentsTue, 24 Sep 2013 04:02:51 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=74969Commercial minivans are going after the taxi vehicle market; following Nissan’s NV200 in NY, Ford is introducing a new version of its Transit. Ford introduced the all-new 2014 Transit Connect Taxi by explaining it provides best-in-class performance, low operating costs, and improved comfort and flexibility for the North American taxi market. The redesigned Ford Transit […]

]]>Commercial minivans are going after the taxi vehicle market; following Nissan’s NV200 in NY, Ford is introducing a new version of its Transit.

Ford introduced the all-new 2014 Transit Connect Taxi by explaining it provides best-in-class performance, low operating costs, and improved comfort and flexibility for the North American taxi market.

The redesigned Ford Transit Connect Taxi was unveiled September 23 at the 2013 International Association of Transportation Regulators Conference in St. Louis.

Ford said it has been engineered to Ford’s light-truck commercial durability standards.

“We’re leveraging our longtime leadership and expertise in the North American taxi market to ensure Transit Connect Taxi exceeds the expectations of taxi operators and their passengers,” said Tim Stoehr, commercial truck marketing manager for Ford. “Transit Connect Taxi has been popular in major metropolitan cities since it debuted in 2010, and it has only gotten better.”

The 2014 Ford Transit Connect Taxi comes with a new powertrain – a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission – providing drivers, according to Ford, with quick response as well as durability, low-rpm cruising and an expected best-in-class highway fuel economy rating.

The redesign of Ford Transit Connect Taxi features a decreased vehicle height, providing improved clearance for taxicab companies to place advertising on the cabin roof. An interior hood release was added, giving drivers easy access to check fluid levels prior to starting a shift.

The second-generation Transit Connect Taxi is also longer, offering seating for five and increased cargo capacity. Ford explained the flexible interior is perfectly suited for livery service and conversion to CNG and LPG. The vehicle’s cargo space accommodates a compressed gas tank, while leaving ample room for luggage and passenger headroom and legroom. It features an anticipated best-in-class 60.5 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row.

The vehicle’s floor has been lowered for improved access to the cabin, and can be modified to be wheelchair-accessible through Ford’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier program.

Per Ford, technology for the driver also has been upgraded, with useful options like rear view camera, 6.5-inch touch-screen display with navigation, and SYNC with MyFord Touch – Ford’s acclaimed voice-activated mobile communications system.

“The new Transit Connect Taxi has been designed with the for-hire transportation driver and their passengers in mind, creating a product that combines stylish looks and improved comfort with legendary Built Ford Tough quality,” said Gerald Koss, fleet marketing manager for Ford.

Ford began offering the Transit Connect as a Taxi with the 2011 model year.

“Transit Connect was originally selected from Ford’s global portfolio of high-quality products to bring the advantages of alternative fuel as well as an outstanding interior package to the for-hire transportation industry,” Stoehr said.

The 2014 Ford Transit Connect Taxi will go into production and arrive in dealerships by early next year.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/new-transit-connect-includes-taxi-version/feed/0Final Prototype Of NY’s Taxi Of Tomorrow Shownhttp://www.hybridcars.com/final-prototype-of-nys-taxi-of-tomorrow-shown/
http://www.hybridcars.com/final-prototype-of-nys-taxi-of-tomorrow-shown/#commentsThu, 13 Jun 2013 04:00:53 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=60154New York City’s Taxi of Tomorrow vision is about to be realized in just a few months and the vehicle is getting ready for production. Later this fall, the all-new and completely redesigned taxis are due on the city’s streets. This comes just two years after Nissan won a bid to redesign and supply the […]

]]>New York City’s Taxi of Tomorrow vision is about to be realized in just a few months and the vehicle is getting ready for production.

Later this fall, the all-new and completely redesigned taxis are due on the city’s streets.

This comes just two years after Nissan won a bid to redesign and supply the New York City fleet of cabs.

Since then the company said it has been singularly focused on perfecting the vehicle for passengers, drivers, and owners.

Recently the final official milestone meetings for key stakeholders took place in Manhattan. It was a chance for the Taxi & Limousine Commission, drivers and inspectors to react to the Taxi of Tomorrow prototype before production starts.

According to Nissan, this meeting, like the many before it, was designed to further refine the vehicle before it is put into service for the more than 600,000 people who hail a cab in NYC each year.

“Seeing the nobs and buttons put in place, seeing the screen where it is, seeing the whole thing come to life is really exciting. And that was just sitting in the back seat. When we started rolling, it really came to life,” said Andrew Salkin, deputy commissioner operations, NYC Department of Finance.

Nissan also said that from powertrain, to chassis, to interior fit and finish, the Taxi of Tomorrow demonstrates the type of innovative spirit that goes into all Nissan vehicles, on the city streets of New York and around the world.

An electric-powered version of the vehicle chosen does exist, but is not yet planned for taxi duty in NY.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/final-prototype-of-nys-taxi-of-tomorrow-shown/feed/0Leaf EV As NY Taxi In Pilot Programhttp://www.hybridcars.com/leaf-ev-as-ny-taxi-in-pilot-program/
http://www.hybridcars.com/leaf-ev-as-ny-taxi-in-pilot-program/#commentsTue, 23 Apr 2013 04:15:05 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=57495Nissan and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg launched a new electric vehicle taxi pilot, one using the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle. This pilot program, which puts six LEAF taxis into service beginning this spring, will help Nissan, the city, the taxi industry and the public understand how zero emission vehicles can be integrated into […]

]]>Nissan and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg launched a new electric vehicle taxi pilot, one using the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle.

This pilot program, which puts six LEAF taxis into service beginning this spring, will help Nissan, the city, the taxi industry and the public understand how zero emission vehicles can be integrated into future taxi fleets.
Both Nissan and the mayor took the opportunity of Earth Day to announce the program, April 22.

“As part of our commitment to zero emission vehicles for the mass-market, Nissan is looking for ways to broaden the use of electric cars, including commercial applications like taxis,” said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles. “Following the selection of Nissan NV200 as New York City’s Taxi of Tomorrow, our relationship with the city provides us the ultimate proving ground to conduct this LEAF taxi pilot to help optimize the use of electric vehicle technology for future applications.”

Nissan and partners in New York City will also install, as part of the pilot program, several CHAdeMO-based DC quick chargers, which will enable drivers to re-charge their electric taxis quickly during their shift.

With quick charging, the Nissan Leaf can be recharged to about 80 percent in under 30 minutes.

“Even though the Taxi of Tomorrow won’t be on the road for another six months, we’re already looking ahead to the taxi of the day after tomorrow,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “Nissan’s proven track record with electric vehicles will put us ahead of the curve in helping us answer important questions about incorporating electric taxis into the fleet so that we can achieve the goal of a one-third electric taxi fleet by 2020.”

The city has plans to replace diesel buses and LPG taxis with electric-powered vehicles. Experts anticipate that this will reduce Hong Kong’s vehicle emissions by nearly 56 percent.

BYD concurrently unveiled its plan to introduce e6 pure electric taxis in the region in May of this year.

Chuan-fu Wang, chairman and president of BYD Company Limited, remarked, “Hong Kong has been dedicated to promoting green transport for quite some time – electrifying public transportation will not only significantly save costs, but it will also dramatically lower the city vehicle emissions and improve air quality, creating a tremendous social impact!”

BYD said the first fleet of 45, BYD e6 pure electric taxis are scheduled for launch in Hong Kong in May of this year. Meanwhile, BYD and multiple partners have already built and tested three charging stations in Oi Man Estate, Shek Wai Kok Estate and Wong Tai Sin.

The second batch of charging stations is expected to be set up before May with the expectation that each taxi will be complemented by a charging appliance. BYD is also collaborating with local industry partners to pursue further developments in electrified public transport for Hong Kong, including BYD 40-foot electric buses.

Public transport is one of the major sources of air pollution in cities. Replacing the eighteen-thousand (18,000) LPG taxis and twelve-thousand (12,000) diesel buses with electric taxis and buses would mean a reduction in emissions equivalent to over eight-hundred-thousand (800,000) private cars, a leap towards an ultimate target: low-city-noise, zero emissions and zero pollution.

BYD’s pure electric vehicles use an Iron-Phosphate (or Fe) battery, which touts industry-leading safety qualifications and superior life. The battery maintains high-performance capabilities over long periods of use and can stably withstand extreme conditions.

Taking the e6 pure electric vehicle as an example, BYD said that after 4,000 charging cycles, the capacity of the battery remains still remains at above 75 percent of its original capacity, and the total mileage can reach over one million kilometers (621,000 miles).

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/45-byd-e6-heading-for-hong-kong-taxi-fleet/feed/015 Nissan Leaf For Rio de Janeiro Taxi Dutyhttp://www.hybridcars.com/15-nissan-leaf-for-rio-de-janeiro-taxi-duty/
http://www.hybridcars.com/15-nissan-leaf-for-rio-de-janeiro-taxi-duty/#commentsWed, 06 Mar 2013 05:03:10 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=54939Starting this month, the city of Rio de Janeiro has its own electric taxi program with an initial pair of Nissan Leaf. The program is a partnership between the Rio de Janeiro City Government, Nissan do Brasil (NBA) and Petrobras Distribuidora. In the first phase, two Nissan Leaf taxis will be available in Rio. By […]

]]>Starting this month, the city of Rio de Janeiro has its own electric taxi program with an initial pair of Nissan Leaf.

The program is a partnership between the Rio de Janeiro City Government, Nissan do Brasil (NBA) and Petrobras Distribuidora.

In the first phase, two Nissan Leaf taxis will be available in Rio. By the end of the year, 13 more units will be added to the fleet.

Nissan said the first two electric taxis will be available at the Santos Dumont airport stand. Their batteries will be recharged in two Petrobras service stations at the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon and in the Barra da Tijuca area.

NBA was the only manufacturer to submit a proposal to the Rio de Janeiro City Government to select vehicles to serve as electric taxis.

The delivery ceremony was held today at Nissan do Brasil’s new headquarters in Rio with mayor Eduardo Paes.

Since its commercial launch in the U.S. and Japan in 2010 and in Europe in 2011, 50,000 units have been sold worldwide. The Nissan Leaf seats the driver and four passengers and offers a 160-kilometer range. The 48 lithium-ion battery can be recharged in up to eight hours or only 30 minutes via the quick chargers to be installed by Petrobras.

Through the initiative, the City Administration is encouraging clean and low emission technology, as electric vehicles produce no tailpipe pollution or greenhouse gas and are a sustainable alternative compared to cars powered by oil products.

The goal of the Rio de Janeiro Municipality, according to the city’s climate policy, is to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by 16 percent by 2016 compared to emission levels of 2005.

“In view of the major events to be held in Rio, we can improve the visibility of clean-energy vehicles so that production and consumption models can be changed to a sustainable system,” said Carlos Roberto Osório, Commissioner of the City Department of Transportation.

Two Petrobras service stations will be setup to offer fast charging to electric taxis: Posto do Futuro, at Barra da Tijuca, and Posto Escola da Lagoa, in the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon region.

Electric taxi recharging at Petrobras service stations is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2012 between Petrobras and NBA to study the infrastructure expansion for electric vehicle recharging in Brazil.

The Nissan Leaf taxi delivery ceremony coincided with the official inauguration of Nissan do Brasil’s new headquarters in the modern Porto Brasilis building, where the company has been established since January.

NBA has chosen Rio to establish its new headquarters because of its investment in the construction of a new plant in Resende and sponsorship of the Rio 2016 Games.

Downtown Rio is a privileged location where the City Administration is promoting a revitalization project, including the old harbor area, known as “Porto Maravilha.”

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/15-nissan-leaf-for-rio-de-janeiro-taxi-duty/feed/0Mexico’s Leaf Taxi Pilot Program Well Receivedhttp://www.hybridcars.com/mexicos-leaf-taxi-pilot-program-well-received/
http://www.hybridcars.com/mexicos-leaf-taxi-pilot-program-well-received/#commentsThu, 14 Feb 2013 05:14:32 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=53363About 70 taxi drivers in México have been driving fully electric Nissan Leafs for more than a year now as part of a pilot program launched in 2011. The project’s objective is to showcase the car’s technology while building experience and evidence of the Nissan Leaf potential under various driving conditions in Mexico. “The car […]

]]>About 70 taxi drivers in México have been driving fully electric Nissan Leafs for more than a year now as part of a pilot program launched in 2011.

The project’s objective is to showcase the car’s technology while building experience and evidence of the Nissan Leaf potential under various driving conditions in Mexico.

“The car is extremely easy to drive, a completely automatic car with no shifting of gears. The steering is very soft with no problem whatsoever. The mirrors are functional. The seats are very comfortable. It is a new car,” said Mexico City taxi driver Cristóbal Reynoso, about the Leaf.

There are 20 Nissan Leaf taxis in central Mexico City and another 50 in the Mexican state of Aguascalientes.

Charging infrastructures are also growing to support operations of EV mobility in both locations – including the first public electric vehicle quick-charging station in Latin America that was celebrated late last year.

“The reaction is 100 percent positive, once again, because it is a new car, and there are only 20 Nissan Leafs in Mexico City, a big difference. People ask you why is it so different compared to other cars? How do you charge it up? How many hours can you drive? How fast is it? How were you chosen to drive it? All these questions are very pleasant for me, so it is very fun,” said Reynoso.

The Leaf taxis are part of a program called Zero Emissions Taxis. Nissan said the 70 electric taxis have prevented about three tons of CO2 emissions from going into the atmosphere. That’s about how much would be released from that number of conventional gas cars.

“I think the Mexican people have very good acceptance with the Leaf. I mean they are very proactive with electric cars, with green cars. They are very proud to be part of this kind of initiative here in Mexico,” said Alejandro Viveros, leader of the Zero-Emission Business Unit for Nissan Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Nissan’s mid-term strategic global plan, known as Nissan Power 88 includes the objective of driving leadership in electric vehicles. This reflects the long-term perspective of the company, which plans to launch three new electric vehicles, besides the Nissan Leaf, including a light commercial vehicle, a premium Infiniti car and a new model for the entry-level segment.